Poor Roux has some hot spots under his front legs right now that he won't leave alone, so we had to put the dreaded lampshade on him the other night. He was equal parts annoyed and terrified by it. See below:

Last weekend Baby Blueberry and I were spoiled rotten at a shower put together for us by Tera, Courtney, Allyson and Kathleen at Tera's house. It was an awesome day, despite the rain and cold temperatures, because so many friends and loved ones came out to spend time with me. Courtney and Avery drove all the way up from Atlanta to be here for the party, my Mom came out from Nevada, and Auntie Andrea and Uncle Tom came up from South Carolina too. I am not kidding when I say I felt special!

Thanks to all who attended. It means a lot to Jay and I that you share our excitement for our baby boy's arrival! And a special thank you to Courtney, Allyson, Tera and Kathleen for hosting. You girls are the best!

It's been awhile since I posted a recipe on here so I thought I would give a shout out to this yummy shrimp pasta dish that I made for Jay and me a couple of weeks ago. I always know I have done something right when Jay tells me "You have to make this next time my parents come visit!" lol

And the best part? This is a Cooking Light recipe so you don't even have to feel guilty for loving it. I do hope you enjoy the bubbly, cheesy, yummy, shrimpy goodness that is Creamy Gruyere and Shrimp Pasta!

Combine the flour and salt in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until slightly thick, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese, stirring until melted.

Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Stir in wine and pepper, and cook 1 minute or until shrimp is done.

In February Jay and I took a trip down to Atlanta to visit Courtney & Greg and their new little girl Avery. It was so much fun spending time with Avery at 1 month old, and learning what life with a newborn is really like. Courtney called it my "Baby Boot Camp."

The girls managed to get out for lunch one day followed by a stroll in the park with Avery. While we were out we noticed this sign at the local carwash. If you know any bald men in Canton, GA they can get a good deal on a carwash right now!

I got to help out with bathtime while I was there, and by help I really mean take lots of naked baby photos to embarrass Avery with when she gets older! And I held her each morning while Courtney got showered and dressed, so I feel well practiced at holding a newborn.

On Saturday afternoon we all ventured out to go bowling but that trip soon got cut short when we got to the lanes and were told there was a half hour wait due to a tournament and birthday party. (Who knew bowling alleys were so busy on Saturday afternoons?) So we quickly changed plans and took Avery on her first beer run at Publix and then headed back home to watch the Carolina game instead. Unfortunately Avery's UNC basketball streak ended against Maryland that day. :(

Despite the UNC loss it was a great visit and we feel so happy that we got to spend some time with the new Bayer family! I am so impressed with Courtney's mothering skills at just 1 month post partum. She already can tell Avery's hungry cry from other types of cries, is a breastfeeding powerhouse, and is so patient with Avery while trying to establish a routine for her. She is turning out to be a wonderful Mommy as I knew she would! And I am so glad I have her to look to for advice when my turn comes, which is not too far off now!

Here are some more pictures from the trip:

Roux and Maggey became good buddies during the visit. Neither Roux nor Daisy seemed too interested in Avery, which is a promising sign for us. Apart from the occasional sniff of the baby's head or foot, they were more interested in Chase and Maggey, and their toys!